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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding a recent confirmation of a cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) cases in a surgical ward, the spokesperson of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following update today (March 16):
Two more male patients (aged 81 and 90) have been confirmed as VRE carriers, all without clinical symptoms. The patients have been discharged.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned have been enhanced;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. All VRE carriers are under medical surveillance in isolation rooms; and
4. Restricted visiting to the ward concerned is imposed.
UCH will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward.
Ends/Saturday, March 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:36
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